Reshid was the favourite nephew and heir of Abdulla, and that loving uncle, meeting Almayer one day by the riverside, stopped politely to exchange civilities and to ask solemnly for an interview.

Almayer suspected some attempt at a swindle, or at any rate something unpleasant, but of course consented with a great show of rejoicing.

Accordingly the next evening, after sunset, Abdulla came, accompanied by several other grey-beards and by his nephew.

That young man--of a very rakish and dissipated appearance--affected the greatest indifference as to the whole of the proceedings.

When the torch-bearers had grouped themselves below the steps, and the visitors had seated themselves on various lame chairs, Reshid stood apart in the shadow, examining his aristocratically small hands with great attention.